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Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum: Preserving Alabama’s Rail Heritage

Published: February 12, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Welcome to the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Alabama’s official state railroad museum. Nestled in Calera, just a short drive south of Birmingham, this museum is a treasure trove for train enthusiasts, history buffs, and families seeking a delightful day out. This guide will lead you through the highlights, history, and practical information you need to make the most of your visit.

The Calera & Shelby Railroad offers a 5.5 mile trip on property owned by the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera.

A Glimpse into the Past: The Museum’s Rich History

The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum was established in 1962 with a mission to preserve and interpret the rich history of railroading in Alabama.

The museum originated as the Heart of Dixie Railroad Club, initially located at the intersection of 18th Street South and 1st Avenue South in downtown Birmingham, directly across from the Alabama Power Steam Generation Plant.

Many of the railcars were generously donated by various railroad companies. Unfortunately, these railcars were susceptible to acts of vandalism, as several were set ablaze due to territorial conflicts among the homeless population.

In the early 1980s, the club relocated to Calera, acquiring several hundred acres of land situated between 17th Avenue and 20th Avenue along 9th Street.  Over the years, it has grown to become a premier destination for those wishing to explore the golden age of rail travel.

The Outdoor Collection: Immerse Yourself in Railroading History

The outdoor collection is a highlight for many visitors. As you stroll through the museum grounds, you'll encounter a captivating assortment of restored and preserved rail equipment. Among the stars of the collection are:

- Locomotives: Explore beautifully restored steam and diesel engines. Key attractions often include a historic steam locomotive that harks back to the days when steam was king and the railway was synonymous with adventure.

Steam Locomotives

Diesel Locomotives

- Passenger Cars: Step aboard antique passenger cars and imagine journeys of the past. The museum aims to capture the elegance and excitement of rail travel in the old days, with details meticulously preserved.

- Cabooses: These colorful cars are a favorite with visitors, offering a peek into the life of the train crew.

Additionally, the outdoor rail yard provides a fascinating look at the infrastructure that supported the railways, such as tracks, signals, and other essential equipment.

All Aboard for a Ride: Experience a Train Ride Adventure

One of the biggest attractions of the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum is the chance to experience a ride on a vintage train. The rides operate on a section of the historic Alabama Mineral Railroad track. There are different experiences throughout the year:

Calera & Shelby - The Calera & Shelby Railroad operates on a 5.5-mile stretch of the former L&N Mineral loop, originally constructed in 1891 for the purpose of transporting minerals essential to iron production back to Birmingham.

The line was abandoned due to Alabama Power's damming of the Coosa River for a hydroelectric plant, which would have resulted in the flooding of the Coosa River bridge, leading to its removal.

Subsequent to CSX removing the tracks along the line, the Heart of Dixie Railroad Club, now known as the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Inc., purchased 11 miles of the right-of-way in their move to Calera during the 1980s.

Since then, the museum has been diligently reinstating the track along this route, which currently terminates at Springs Junction, Alabama, just east of the Shelby County Highway 86 crossing.

Shelby & Southern - The Shelby & Southern is a 2-foot narrow gauge attraction featuring rolling stock that previously served as the park train at the Birmingham Zoo. In preparation, 2-foot gauge track was acquired, a station and maintenance facility were constructed, and the railcars underwent sandblasting, re-lettering, and repainting. In addition, their propane-fired, Crown Metal Products 4-4-0 steam locomotive was sent to the Tweetsie Railroad for refurbishment.

The Shelby & Southern Railroad commenced operations in 2002, coinciding with the "Day Out with Thomas" event, a two-weekend celebration during which Thomas the Tank Engine visits the museum between March and April.

Interactive Exhibits and Activities: Educational Fun for Everyone

In addition to viewing trains and taking a ride, the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum offers a range of interactive exhibits and activities designed to educate and entertain visitors of all ages.

- The Depots: The museum's collection features two historical railway stations originally serving local communities. The erstwhile depot from Wilton, Alabama, currently designated as Calera, contains numerous exhibits dedicated to railroad artifacts and functions as the departure point for excursion trains. Meanwhile, the former Woodlawn, Alabama depot is home to the Boone Library, which offers an extensive repository of railroad literature, slides, photographs, and various research materials.

- Gift Shop:  No visit to the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum would be complete without a stop at the gift shop. Here, you’ll find a variety of souvenirs, including model trains, books on railroad history, apparel, and unique memorabilia that make for wonderful gifts or keepsakes.

For dining, the museum grounds often host local food vendors during special events. Additionally, Calera offers a selection of local eateries where visitors can enjoy southern hospitality and delicious cuisine to round off their visit.

Nearby Attractions: Explore More of What Alabama Has to Offer

After exploring the delights of the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, consider venturing into the surrounding areas:

- American Village Citizenship Trust: Located nearby, this educational facility offers engaging re-enactments and immersive experiences in American history.

- Oak Mountain State Park: Perfect for nature lovers, it's Alabama’s largest state park, offering hiking, camping, and an array of outdoor activities.

- Downtown Birmingham: Only a short drive away, it offers museums, dining, shopping, and entertainment for those wishing to extend their journey.

Overview

The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum is more than a museum; it’s a portal to the past and a celebration of Alabama’s rich railway heritage.

Whether you're a railway aficionado, a history lover, or a family looking for a unique day out, this museum promises a fascinating and entertaining experience. Pack your bags, board the train, and let the whistle of the engine transport you to another era.